Today's grandparents are finding that embracing technology is a major key to staying in touch with their grandchildren.
Parents can help close the generation gap by encouraging kids and their grandparents to connect virtually. Thanks to Facebook, Skype and other platforms, families can find it easier than ever to maintain meaningful connections.
According to a 2012 joint research project between Microsoft and AARP, 83 percent of those surveyed considered online communication a helpful way for families to stay in touch. While only 21 percent of older respondents said they'd like to use social networking more often, 52 percent of those ages 13 to 25 said they wished their families would connect more frequently this way.
Teenagers and school-age kids seem to learn new technology effortlessly and are often eager to show off their skills by helping their grandparents get connected.
Conyers mom Dana Oliver said her son Jake, 13, enjoys helping his grandparents expand their online presence.
"He's helped them locate friends and create contact lists. Both of my parents are really active on Facebook now. They like seeing pictures of all their grandchildren and staying on top of what's going on in our daily lives."
Kids of all ages can encourage grandparents to navigate technology.
Michelle Allen, a Decatur mother of two, said her 3-year-old daughter uses the iPhone Facetime app to see her grandparents on a regular basis.
"I refused to give her my passcode, but she just figured it out. That was very surprising. I love that she and her grandparents can see each other regularly," Allen said. "All have embraced the technology very well, and I think they really like it."
Here are 5 ways kids and grandparents can use technology to forge stronger bonds:
Skype: The closest thing to visiting in person, Skype connects loved ones through live video chatting. Anyone who has a laptop or tablet with a webcam and an internet connection can register and use the service for free within minutes. The tech section of HowStuffWorks.com offers an easy-to-follow Skype set-up tutorial.
Facebook: One of the more complex social media platforms, Facebook was designed to give people a place to represent themselves online while connecting with friends and family. Although not quite as popular as it used to be with younger people, Facebook can still be a great way to maintain a daily connection to distant loved ones. If the kids aren't available to teach their grandparents, Facebook for Dummies provides everything needed to create and maintain a Facebook profile.
Free long-distance calls: Viber, WhatsApp, Line and other calling apps offer families the opportunity to connect without using a phone. Available for desktop, laptop, tablet and other devices, these apps offer varying features, including free calling, texts and picture messages.
YouTube: Grandkids owe it to the older generations to make sure they're aware of the wealth of information available on YouTube. Far from just a source of mindless entertainment — although it is great for that — YouTube allows people of all ages to access how-to videos on every subject, from home repairs to learning the latest dance moves.
Snapchat: Popular with young people, Snapchat is a mobile messaging app that enables people to send not just text, but also photos, videos and drawings. Because messages disappear from the recipient's phone, Snapchat might annoy grandparents who wish to keep their grandkids' messages for more than 24 hours. Have the kids demonstrate how to take a screengrab, so gran and gramps can save snaps to show to their friends.
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